NEWS RELEASE

Avalon Park in east Orlando is bracing for record crowds at its 9th annual Fourth of July celebration, slated for 5 to 9 p.m. in Downtown Avalon Park, located off Alafaya Trail south of Colonial Drive.

Stephanie Hodson, marketing director at Avalon Park Group, said family friendly activities will include more than 100 vendors, an apple pie bake-off sponsored by Davis Bakery and a bike parade sponsored by Eastside Cycling and the Avalon Park YMCA; live community performances, a hotdog eating contest sponsored by Pop Pop’s Ice Cream & More, a special ceremony honoring fallen Soldier Cpl. Patrick Deans, a home run derby sponsored by Brianto’s Original Hoagies and Avalon Park Baseball, and fireworks with special 3D glasses sponsored by Avalon Town Center Realty.

Admission to the event is free and there is ample parking, Hodson said. Guests are advised to arrive early and bring blankets and folding chairs. “We anticipate a big crowd,” Hodson said.